Guide for planning an outdoor wedding ceremony in Ireland
The most important part of a wedding day is the ceremony. It’s the dream of many to say their vows and have their ceremony at an outdoor location. Planning an outdoor wedding ceremony in Ireland can be an amazing experience for both you and your guests. Ireland offers breathtaking landscapes for outdoor ceremonies, from castle gardens to coastal cliffs and serene woodlands. Most Irish wedding venues now offer an onsite outdoor ceremony option for their couples and this has become extremely popular.
As a wedding photographer I always get a little giddy when a couple tells me they a thinking of having an outdoor ceremony. The main reason for this is the natural light that can make a massive difference to how the photos can look in a positive way. Let’s be honest though the Irish weather can be a bit unpredictable at the best of times as all four seasons can arrive on the same day. Do not let this hold you back. With the proper planning and the correct considerations made you could be walking down the aisle to the sounds of birds singing in the trees.
Choosing the right venue & time of year :
If you have decided that your dream is to have an outdoor wedding ceremony then choosing the right wedding venue and date will be your most important consideration. Firstly you have to make sure that the venue does offer an outdoor option and also a plan B incase of bad weather. At the bottom of the page I have listed some of my favourite outdoor ceremony spaces that I have worked at in the past and can highly recommend. It goes without saying that in Ireland, May to September are your best bet when choosing your date outdoor ceremony.
Designing your Outdoor Ceremony in Ireland :
When planning an outdoor wedding ceremony in Ireland, design is crucial. This is also the fun part. Designing your outdoor wedding ceremony is where you can get creative as a couple and put your own personal stamp on the day. Everything from colours, floral backdrops, arches and seating for your guests, your options are endless. Your venue can help you here and will have lots of amazing designs you can choose from. You also have the option of hiring a decor stylist to bring your vision to life. Check out this article from One Fab Day to give you some inspiration. Click here
Weather and Backup plans :
With the Irish weather being as predictable as the Lotto results, it’s important to have a backup plan in place just incase the forecast decides to throw a spanner in the works. Your venue will advise you on the morning of the wedding what the best options are and will have an indoor plan B ready just incase. The weather the day before can also have an affect on your decision as the ground might still be wet and to soft for seating. Umbrellas and warms blankets are also a good option to have on stand by too keep your guests warm and dry.
Entertainment & Sound :
When it comes to entertainment and sound, live music is always a great option. A string quartet or acoustic guitar being my personal favourite. Sound and acoustics can also be a challenge to look out for on the day. Work with your venue and videographer before hand to avoid any problems. Most venues that are offering an outdoor ceremony will be well set up for this.
Legal Requirements :
Now for the boring stuff. In order to legally solemnise a marriage in the State a person must be nominated for registration in the Register of Solemnisers. They must be either a registrar employed by the Health Service Executive (the Registration Authority) or a member of a religious or a secular body. Notify the HSE (Health Service Executive) at least three months before the wedding. If you are deciding to have an outdoor ceremony that’s not connected with your venue, ensure your location is registered for civil or humanist ceremonies.
My Favourite Outdoor Ceremony Spaces in Ireland :
For more wedding inspiration, check out my wedding guide on How to choose the perfect wedding flowers.